Tag Archives: argaloth

This is the second post on Barkskin in tier 11. To read general information about Barkskin and why it’s so awesome, see my first post on Barkskin in BWD.

Here are some of the best places to use Barkskin in Bastion of Twilight and Baradin Hold. This applies whether you are resto or dps (I won’t presume to tell bears when to use Barkskin).

Bastion of Twilight

Halfus Wyrmbreaker

The beginning of the fight is the most hectic part, so it’s a good idea to use Barkskin straight off. It will help reduce damage from the proto-behemoth’s abilities or any Shadow Novas that get cast. Continue to use Barkskin on cooldown until Halfus reaches 50%.

Once Halfus reaches 50%, use Barkskin before each Furious Roar, as everyone gets stunned and is unable to heal.

Valiona and Theralion

While fighting Valiona, use Barkskin when collapsing for Blackout. It can also be used if you get caught in Devouring Flames (but try not to).

While fighting Theralion, Barkskin should be used on cooldown. Between Meteorites, Fabulous Flames and Engulfing Magic, you’re likely taking damage through most of the phase.

Twilight Ascendant Council

During phase 1, use Barkskin when Feludius starts casting Aegis of Flame.

In phase 2, use it before Thundershock or Quake. If you find yourself with the wrong buff (because the tornado and spawned right on top of each other, or you had to run away because you were the lightning rod), Barkskin can help you survive.

When you reach phase 3 the whole raid will start taking increasing amounts of damage, use Barkskin on cooldown.

Cho’gall

In phase 1, there is only one source of unavoidable damage on the raid. When Cho’gall has Shadow’s Orders up, the raid will be taking shadow damage on each of his melee strikes. Use Barkskin to mitigate the damage from this.

In phase 2, damage will begin to ramp up as your Corruption increases. Cho’gall will begin using Corruption of the Old God which will do damage to the whole raid every 2 seconds. Use Barkskin on cooldown throughout the phase.

Baradin Hold

Argaloth

And now, a rant!

I read a comment about Barkskin the other day that really made me mad. The comment questioned how useful Barkskin really was for druids, and claimed that they rarely use it because they can survive without it.

My mind, it was boggled.

I know that some people don’t use Barkskin because they forget. It never became part of their playstyle, and they just don’t think of it. That is very unfortunate, but is an innocent mistake (though they should really work on it). To say “I rarely use Barkskin because I can survive without it” is awful. In my mind it’s no better than saying: “I could run out of this fire on the ground immediately, but I can survive a few ticks” or “I could interrupt this spell, but it’s not going to kill anyone.”

When you’re in a dungeon or raid with other people, every little bit counts. When faced with the option of taking 60,000 damage or using Barkskin and taking only 48,000 damage, the correct course of action should be extremely obvious.